November 20, 2024 (Rancho San Diego and Spring Valley) – The #MillarFire has burned 20 acres near State Route 94/Campo Road and Millar Ranch Road in Spring Valley, near the Steele Canyon bridge. Evacuation orders have been issued for nearby areas including Rancho San Diego, plus evacuation warnings for surrounding areas. View evacuation map from Alert San Diego: https://emergencymap.sandiegocounty.gov/index.html
A temporary evacuation point is at Edwards Cinema at 2951 Jamacha Rd.
JulieAnn Chaet with dog, Chloe, in downtown El Cajon
November 20, 2024 (El Cajon) – Members of the El Cajon City Council voiced surprise at Tuesday's meeting to learn that a 1997 ordinance prohibited dogs in the downtown superblock area where popular events are held. So councilmembers voted unanimously to repeal the ban and legalize dog-walking downtown.
Assistant City Manager Vince DiMaggio explained that the ban was originally approved due to a perception that dogs might pose health hazards and increase maintenance needs. However, “none of those concerns have materialized,” he said, adding that bringing dogs to public places has since become commonplace, including companion animals as well as service dogs.
“We see dozens of dog walkers daily in Centennial Plaza,” he noted, adding that technically that’s illegal, as is walking dogs in Prescott Promenade and other downtown areas where the public frequently brings dogs on leashes when they dine at outdoor cafes, enjoy outdoor concerts and car shows, or simply exercise their pets along public streets..
November 20, 2024 (Lakeside) -- Even sunny San Diego can get snow with the assistance of modern technology. You’re invited to Snow Day at Lindo Lake on December 6 from 2 to 5 p.m., as the County turns this popular park into a family-friendly winter wonderland with fresh snow for sledding and snow play.
You can also enjoy games, giveaways, and photos with Santa.
Photo: "Got My Eye On You” by Dottie Thompson. Watercolor, 18 x 24". Image courtesy of San Diego Watercolor Society
November 19, 2024 (Lakeside) - Dottie Thompson, an artist and resident of Lakeside, California, has won the Best of Theme award in the highly competitive November 2024 San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) Member’s gallery exhibition “Evoking Mystery”. Thompson’s painting titled “Got My Eye On You” was selected by prominent local artist Alice Kayuha for this honor, out of 251 entries. Kayuha commented, “This painting fits the Best of Theme because it is really mysterious. When you first look at it, you don’t even realize what it is. Then you look more closely. and you realize that it is an eye, probably of a crocodile or alligator. The reflection really begins to take on the presence of an eye looking at you. So it really has a mystery to it.”
Trump says he won’t require FBI vetting of nominees and wants Congress to adjourn so that he can appoint Cabinet chairs without Senate approval
By Miriam Raftery
Update November 22, 2024: Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Attorney General appointment.
Photo: Rep. Matt Gaetz, Attorney General nominee, would oversee the Justice Department. He is accused of paying a trafficker for sex with women, including an underaged teen girl.
November 19, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – President-elect Donald Trump has announced many of his cabinet appointees, which require Senate confirmation, as well as other key positions in his next administration. While all are Trump loyalists, some nominees have experience and qualifications suited to the position. But other nominees have sparked bipartisan concerns. They include:
An attorney general nominee who resigned from Congress after an investigation found evidence that he paid a trafficker to have sex with a minor;
A Secretary of Defense nominee accused of raping a woman and having racist white nationalist beliefs;
A director of national intelligence with a history of siding with Russia and other authoritarian regimes;
A Secretary of Energy a fracking company CEO who claims there is no climate crisis
A Secretary of Health and Human Services who is an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist
Update November 21, 2024 -- Today Judge Campos approved releasing Wakefield as a transient, despite 800 signatures on a petition opposing this release.
By Miriam Raftery
November 18, 2024 (San Diego) —After three failed attempts to place sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield at homes run by Liberty Healthcare in Borrego Springs, Mt. Helix and Poway, the California Department of State Hospitals now proposes to release Wakefield as a transient.
Update November 22, 2024: Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Attorney General appointment.
By Donald H. Harrison, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
November 17, 2024 (San Diego) - Several national Jewish organizations are opposing President-elect Donald J. Trump’s nomination of recently resigned Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida for U.S. attorney general. Leaders of the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs all came out against Gaetz becoming the leader of the Justice Department which among its other duties prosecutes hate crimes.
November 17, 2024 (Spring Valley) – Seven sheriff’s deputies opened fire on an armed man who fired shots in the backyard of a home on Leland Street in Spring Valley on Friday evening, ECM news partner 10 News reports.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, law enforcement indicated that a woman called report that her boyfriend, armed with a gun, had entered the home and was acting in an erratic manner with four children present. She told authorities that he had mental health issues and was under the influence.
November 17, 2024 (Ramona, CA) – Sheriff’s deputies found the body of an unidentified person, along with two deceased dogs, inside a burned trailer home in Ramona yesterday.
Firefighters responded to the blaze in the 18000 block of Cinnamon Rock Road in Ramona and extinguished the fire, after which deputies from the Ramona substation located the victim and dogs.
November 16, 2024 (San Diego) – By a unanimous vote, San Diego County Supervisors on Oct. 22 authorized the San Diego County Fire Authority to provide a dedicated staffer to assist homeowners with applications to the Wildfire Prepared Home program.
The program, provided through the Insurance Institute for Business & Home and Safety (IBHS), offers a discount on insurance premiums to homeowners who apply and meet fire safety requirements. To apply, homeowners must pay an application fee of $125 and pass an inspection. Now, County Fire officials can also visit homes to help homeowners assure that they have met the wildfire mitigation requirements.
November 16, 2024 (San Diego) -- Adalbert Connor, a beloved family man and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024, at the Veteran’s Home of California Chula Vista, at the age of 103.
Born on October 8, 1921, in Yuma, Arizona, Adalbert’s life was a testament to resilience, warmth, and an unwavering spirit that touched all who knew him.
Adalbert spent his early years in Yuma, attending local schools and graduating from high school in 1941. His passion for learning led him to Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College and later to San Diego State University where he graduated in June 1954.
In 1942, Adalbert enlisted in the United States Army. He trained at Camp Roberts, Fort Lewis, and Fort Ord, and served valiantly in World War II, participating in multiple beach landings in the East Indies, including Leyte, Luzon, and Japan. Rising to the rank of sergeant, he returned home in 1946 with immense pride in his service to his country.
He later worked for Money Mutual of New York insurance company for 45 years, and was a resident of Allied Gardens for over 70 years.
November 15, 2024 (San Diego) -- County public health officials are reporting an increased number of pertussis cases, also known as whooping cough, in San Diego County this year. The increase is notable when compared to 2023 and is even more marked when compared to 2020 to 2022 numbers.
November 14, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – A cold storm from the Gulf of Alaska is forecast to bring scattered showers across our region Friday and Saturday, with snow possible in the mountain areas and frost in some areas.
Gusty winds are also forecast, with peak gusts up to 55 miles per hour in mountain and desert areas as early as tonight.
November 14, 2024 (El Cajon) – Two people were transported to a hospital early this morning with injuries caused by a speeding vehicle that crashed into their home’s bedroom in the 800 block of Jamacha Road in El Cajon.
November 13, 2024 (Santee) -- Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve received “Large Park of the Year” for Park and Campgrounds and “Plan‐It Green Park of the Year” awards from the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (formerly ARVC) at its annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference in Oklahoma City on November 6, 2024.
November 13, 2024 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Grand Jury is accepting applications for grand jurors now through January 10, 2025. The Grand Jury investigates citizens’ complaints and serves as a watchdog over government agencies, but does not conduct criminal investigations.
November 13, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove invites you to the city’s annual community bonfire on Friday, December 6 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St. in Lemon Grove.
Enjoy visits with Santa, music with a live band, a game truck, crafts, inflatables, free cookies, hot chocolate and popcorn, more foods for purchase, welcoming remarks from the mayor, an ugly sweater contest and more.
November 13, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the death of Gregory Moore, 39, who was fatally shot on March 18, 2023 in Lemon Grove.
Hear our interview with Sierra Club Conservation Chair Ron Askeland and Loveland advocate Russell Walsh, aired on KNSJ
By Miriam Raftery
November 12, 2024 (Alpine) – Supporters of Loveland Reservoir are urging the public to attend a community workshop hosted by Sweetwater Water Authority tonight on trail improvements at Loveland Reservoir. The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Alpine Woman’s Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd.in Alpine.
Sweetwater will offer an update on Loveland trails improvements at the meeting, the third in a series of public workshops. The meeting comes after Sweetwater received a $750,000 state grant at the request of Senator Brian Jones for improvements at Loveland, and public input is sought on how to allocate those funds.
Photo: Dr. Paul and Lori Sutton at the San Diego Film Awards. Photo courtesy of Paul Sutton
November 11, 2024 (San Diego) – A retired San Diego State University professor is poised to sweep the San Diego film festival scene this month when his short documentary From Pen to Paper about imprisoned men who take a creative writing course screens for a second time in as many festivals.
November 11, 2024 (San Diego) – Just in time for Veterans’ Day,the County of San Diego has made $11.5 million available to finance the creation of affordable housing to benefit low-income people and unsheltered veterans.
The notice of funding availability (NOFA) was created from a combination of funds:
November 8, 2024 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 71-year-old Vivian Crowder, who has been missing for more than a week. Mrs. Crowder was last seen outside a salon in La Mesa around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 though there are unconfirmed sightings elsewhere in the county.
Mrs. Crowder suffers from dementia and does not have her medication with her. She was last seen wearing a beige head wrap, blue denim jacket, blue and brown floral shirt, black stretch pants with rhinestones and turquoise shoes.
November 8, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) -- The home that I grew up in is filled with warm memories—and now, a fully remodeled interior and exterior with open floorplan and a wealth of amenities -- ready for new homeowners to create memories of their own.
My brother and I inherited our childhood home at 5810 Marengo Avenue in La Mesa’s Lake Murray neighborhood. Our parents were the original owners when the house was built back in 1956; Eisenhower was president, sock hops were all the rage and Elvis Presley had just released his first gold album.
Since we each have homes of our own, my brother and I decided to sell the house we grew up in and fully remodel it, creating an open floorplan and modern conveniences while retaining elements of vintage charm that respect the home’s mid-century heritage.
November 8, 2024 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled its plan to install more ALPR cameras in unincorporated areas of San Diego County during a presentation Oct. 22 to the Board of Supervisors. The presentation outlined the proposal to potentially install about 60 new ALPR cameras in key communities, including Alpine, Borrego Springs, Campo, Fallbrook, Julian, Lakeside, Ramona, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Spring Valley and Valley Center.
November 8, 2024 San Diego) --Firefighters are battling three brush fires locally. The largest is the Garden Fire at 47.9 acres, which has sparked evacuations in Fallbrook. The blaze started east of Gird Rd. and Pala Mesa Drive; it is 10% contained. View the evacuation map.
The Resort Fire has burned 2 acres along highway 79 west west of Warner Springs Rd. in Warner Springs. It is burning at a rapid rate of spread, per incident command. 15 additional engines have been requested.
In Escondido, the Pasqual 4 Fire has charred half an acre in the 1400 block of San Pasqual Valley Rd.
November 7, 2024 (Rancho San Diego, CA) – The Water Conservation Garden is hosting a free 25th anniversary celebration this Saturday, November 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrating 25 years of educating the public about water conservation, this event features animal encounters, garden talks, food, live music, activities and fun for all ages. The event is free, but guests are asked to register here.
The garden is located at Cuyamaca College, 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive, El Cajon.
November 6, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Sitivi “Steve” Faia has pulled ahead of Councilman George Gastil in the Lemon Grove City Council race, where four candidates are vying for two seats. Jessyka Heredia remains in the lead with 28.86% of the votes counted, followed by Faia, a youth sports coach, with 25.40% and 2,410 votes. Gastil, at 25.16% trails Faia by just 23 votes, leaving open the potential for yet another shift as more votes are tallied.
Planning Commission Chair Seth Smith is in fourth place with 20.58% and 1,952 votes.
Photo by Gage Skidmore (CC via Wikipedia): Donald Trump at a June rally in Surprise, Arizona
November 6, 2024 (Sacramento) -- Former President Donald Trump won a second term after four years out of the White House, likely thrusting California back into leading the resistance against him.
The Associated Press made its call at 3 a.m., declaring that the Republican defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who would have become the first woman president and the most powerful Californian in four decades.
Instead, Californians now face a repeat of Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021 — another four years of governance consumed by combative showdowns between the state’s Democratic leadership and Washington, D.C., possibly distracting from or even setting back progress on addressing California’s own problems.
Though many were rooting for a Harris victory — which could have taken California’s priorities nationwide and brought additional resources home — state officials, industry leaders and activists prepared for this outcome. Trump, after all, routinely made California a punching bag in his campaign.
November 6, 2024 (Sacramento) – Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff, who led impeachment efforts against Donald Trump, is poised to defeat former baseball player Steve Garvey, a Republican, to represent California in the U.S. Senate.
Shiff has nearly 60% of the votes, with over half of all votes counted statewide, according to the California Secretary of State’s office.
Update: Kamala Harris has congratulated Trump on his win. Republicans have also taken control of the House.
By Miriam Raftery
November 5, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – Former President Donald Trump has won two major battleground states, CNN and AP predict, and is edging closer to victory in the hotly contested presidential race. Currently Trump is projected to have 247 electoral votes while Vice President Kamala Harris has 214. At least 270 electoral college votes are needed to secure a win in the presidential race.
Of the seven battleground states, AP has projected Trump the winner in Georgia and North Carolina. He has leads in all of the other five swing states: Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin with most votes counted, though some states could still flip as votes from large urban areas not yet tallied come in. However the path for a Harris win has narrowed, while Trump retains several paths to victory.
If Trump wins, he will have a Senate majority of his own party. Republicans have flipped control of the Senate by at least one seat to have a 51-seat majority. Senate control means Republicans will have the power to confirm the president’s cabinet and judicial appointees.
Source: San Diego Watercolor Society
By Miriam Raftery 
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
October 8, 1921 — November 10, 2024
Source: Santee Lakes
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Michael Howard
Source: County News Service
East County News Service
Source: San Diego County Sheriff
East County News Service
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